ARE WRITERS BI-POLAR

 Are writers bi-polar?

I jump from one project to another like a flea on a dog.

One minute I'm dredging up my past to write a fictional account of my life with a drug addict, then I change to finish editing my story about a homeless girl, then I click on an unfinished picture book manuscript about a troll...type, type, type...click, click, click...

What's up with that?

Oh, and I pulled out all my files and lined them up on the dining room table trying to decide where to send each manuscript... if I haven't heard from a publisher in six months, I take it as a rejection.

So, I search on-line and in guides for publishing companies that accept unsolicited manuscripts...

My mind compartmentalizes so much...I try to do one thing at a time...to completion, but somehow I

      continue

           to

               jump

                   from

                       project

                              to...

TO WRITE OR NOT TO WRITE -- THAT IS THE DILEMMA

I'm going deep, emotional and exploring places in my heart that should probably be left alone.

I have an idea for a gritty adult book, encouraged by my daughter (and writing partner), to write about our struggle with a drug addicted family member.

I took this idea to my critique group yesterday. They listened to the first draft of one chapter -- it was painful to read, painful to hear...

One of the members of my group is a psychologist. She questioned me as to the reason I want to write this. She told me to think long and hard before going back into the past and dredge up these tragic times.

This is my plan -- I have saved all my relatives letters from rehab/jail/prison. I will write a reflection/memory on one of these...my daughter will write her reflection/memory on the same letter and then the chapter will end with the letter from the addict.

Why am I doing this? My main objective is to help others see that one can find serenity in the midst of a sad situation. To travel through this experience and come out the other end whole.

Will it be painful looking back -- you bet! Do I want to view the past -- not really. But if any good can come of it ... I need to write.

WHAT DO LITTLE BOYS LIKE

I'm writing a story of a little boy who dreams of flying (he has wings), exploring the sea (as a fish), where else can I take him? I like writing in threes...but can't figure out a third place.

KEEP THE FOCUS ON THE WORDS

It's Easter week in my community. Since I live in sunny southwest Florida that means kids of all shapes, sizes and ages are descending on our beaches. And, beautiful beaches we have.

It's wonderful, but writing time is limited to a few hours in the morning when one can focus on the words. I'm on to a new project. I find myself totally focused and the words are flowing. How cool is that.

It's another one of those dreaded picture books -- But, I find it fun, sort of a mind exercise for me. A lesson in word choice, being succinct.

I really need to get back to editing and revising my novels, but I am enjoying playing with words. It's dominoes for the writer -- a game I want to win.

THE JINX OF THE MISSING COMMA

I finally finished it -- that mystery story I was writing. Yesterday I mailed it!! Woo Hoo.

But before I did...I rechecked it for the millionth time.

I don't know what it is, but every manuscript I think is complete and absolutely perfect has a little mistake in it. No matter how many times I read it. I call it The Jinx of the Missing Comma.

Well, it's a good thing I re-read that mystery story -- one more time before I put it in the envelope -- because I found not one, not two, but three (OMG) mistakes. One: Misspelled word ... Two: A period in the wrong place ... and Three: A comma in the wrong place. Arrgghh. This is such a humbling experience.

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Pop ... pop ... pop!!

Do you hear that?

My brain is popping over with more ideas. How cool is that!

WHOSE STORY IS IT ANYWAY?

I'm finished with the middle grade short story that I want to enter into a contest...almost.

I must have edited and revised it over 100 times. Ok, I lied -- at least 10.

Then I passed it by my brother (the one that eats dirt) and he gave me some good ideas.

Then I passed it by my critique group who loved it and gave me some good ideas.

Then I did my final revisions and passed it by my dirt eating brother again who completely rewrote it. I like some of his stuff, but he went overboard this time.

Why do I depend on his advise...well he's a high school English teacher and has his Ph.D. so he's gotta be smart -- right? But, hey would you trust a guy who eats dirt? Hmmm.

I have one more critique group to pass it by -- tomorrow -- so I have 24 hours to decide which words to use.

Whose story is it -- mine, critique group number one, my brother, or critique group number two?

The answer is simple really -- it's my story -- my idea -- and ultimately my decision.

BTW: It took me forever to find this page -- my web page took away the "favorites" button and I couldn't find the web address. Arrrgh.

IT'S DONE -- ALMOST

It's done -- almost -- that mystery story I've been working on for a contest. I think I have four stories written. Each one gets a little better.

I sent two of them to my brother (the one that eats dirt...really...as a kid he would eat dog biscuits). He is quite the critic. I am hoping for some positive feedback, if not -- I'm sending it in anyway.

You know my theory -- if I don't send in my stuff it's already been rejected by ME!

Wish me luck.